It’s a big decision, and I can understand your hesitation to board the next Nefesh B’Nefesh flight. However, with proper planning, most “unsurmountable” problems can be solved.

If you follow the five-point plan below, you may find that your aliyah dream can actually become a reality.

1. Create a target deadline. Let’s say that you want to make aliya in two years. Now, write it down on your calendar and tell all your friends and relatives when the good-bye party will be. Even if this date changes, having a target date adds an air of resolve to your decision that makes it far less vague than “one of these days, I’d like to move to Israel.”

2. Create a work plan. In the internet age, you might find that you can telecommute, working for your current employer via Skype and email and making the occasional trip abroad. Perhaps your company has an Israeli branch that would employ you. Alternatively, do you want to start your own business when you move, or make a complete career change? Find out what Israel’s tax laws are in all of these situations and others that may arise.

3. Think ahead. Are you planning on retiring to Israel? If so, what should you do about your pensions? You may be pleased to know that your social security payments can go directly into your U.S. brokerage account which you can then easily access from Israel. Some folks even have their social security payments deposited directly into their Israeli bank accounts… in shekels, no less!

4. Consider which assets you may leave in the United States and what you might transfer to Israel with you. This is a subject that I have written about previously.

5. My Book. Email me at doug@profile-financial.com for a coupon code to buy my book Building Wealth in Israel at a special discount for the readers of this blog. This book contains detailed explanations of the options that are open to people who are planning on making aliya so that they can continue to manage their finances well while living in Israel.

About the Author:Douglas Goldstein, CFP®, is the director of Profile Investment Services, Ltd, a financial planning and investment services firm located in Jerusalem. He specializes in working with clients who live outside of the United States and want to maintain a U.S. brokerage account. Doug’s newest book, co-authored with Susan Polgar, about how using chess strategies to improve your finances, Rich As A King can be purchased at www.richasaking.com. He is a licensed financial professional both in the U.S. and Israel. Securities offered through Portfolio Resources Group, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC, MSRB, FSI. Accounts held at Pershing LLC., Member NYSE/SIPC, a subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation. Neither Profile nor PRG gives tax or legal advice. Before immigrating to Israel, it is advisable to consult with a tax attorney who is knowledgeable about Israeli law. Contact at doug@profile-financial.com

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